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About the NYS Dwyer Coalition

The Dwyer Coalition is a statewide initiative committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of veterans and their families through advocacy. While we operate under the Hudson Valley National Center for Veteran Reintegration (HVNCVR), the heart of our work is shaped and directed by the collaboration of local and state stakeholders of the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Program.

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Founded in memory of Private First Class Joseph P. Dwyer, a combat medic in Iraq who struggled with PTSD, our mission is to advocate for safe, non-clinical environments where veterans can connect, share their experiences, and find healing through the support of their peers. This peer-driven approach helps veterans and their families navigate the challenges of civilian life, from mental health struggles to reintegration into their communities.

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Our Focus on the Macro Level

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Beyond providing resources, the Dwyer Coalition works on a broader scale to bring about systemic change in how veterans' mental health care is delivered across New York State:

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  • Statewide Collaboration: We engage with government agencies, community leaders, and service providers to advocate for veteran-focused mental health programs. Our coalition ensures that services remain accessible and flexible, meeting the unique needs of veterans across various regions.​

  • Policy Advocacy: The Dwyer Coalition champions policies that secure funding and resources for veteran peer support programs, pushing for sustainable and long-term solutions that benefit veterans and their families.

  • Standardization of Support Programs: We strive to maintain high-quality standards across all peer-to-peer programs while allowing for regional customization. This ensures veterans receive consistent, effective support no matter where they are located.

  • Outreach and Awareness: Through public awareness campaigns, educational programs, and events, we raise visibility about the importance of mental health care for veterans. We work tirelessly to break the stigma around seeking help, encouraging veterans and their families to connect with resources that promote healing and resilience.

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At the Dwyer Coalition, we are more than just a program. We are a community that fosters purpose, dignity, and hope for veterans and their families. Together, we aim to make a lasting impact on the lives of those who served our country, creating pathways to healing that extend far beyond individual support to touch entire communities.

PFC Joseph P Dwyer Peer Project

In 2012, the New York State Senate, in collaboration with the New York State Office of Mental Health, launched the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer-to-Peer Support Pilot Program in response to recommendations from then-Senator and U.S. Congressman Lee Zeldin, Senator Roy McDonald, and the John P. Jennings Veterans’ Advisory Panel.

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The Advisory Panel, consisting of veterans, family members, and community stakeholders, was instrumental in developing a program aimed at supporting veterans across New York State. Initially, the Dwyer Program was designed with a primary focus on suicide prevention for veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) resulting from their military service.

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Launched in four counties—Jefferson, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Suffolk—the program quickly evolved. During its first year, the Dwyer initiative expanded beyond its original focus on PTSD and TBI to address a broader range of issues affecting veterans' overall well-being and reintegration into the community.

“The most important thing I learned is that soldiers watch their leaders' actions. You can give them classes and lecture them forever, but it is your personal example they will follow. ”
-General Colin Powell

Our Mission

  • Our mission is to focus on bringing together New York State Counties that operate the Joseph P Dwyer Programs. Each program is unique and offers valuable services to the community at large. 

  • Putting together panel discussions that educate and inform the general public.

  • Working with NY State legislators to help identify the need of the military community.

Our Vision

  • Have a single unified platform that creates an ongoing dialogue that addresses the need of the military community and their families

    • Represent and advocate for the military community

  • Build Community Relationships and Partnership

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